Why Russell Crowe Isn't in Gladiator II and Everything He’s Said About Missing Out Russell Crowe’s absence from Gladiator II has raised many questions. Fans of the actor, who won an Oscar for his role as Maximus in the original Gladiator (2000), are curious about why he isn’t returning for the highly anticipated sequel. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Crowe’s absence, his thoughts on the sequel, and some behind-the-scenes details. Maximus’ Death and the Time Gap in Gladiator II The most apparent reason Russell Crowe isn’t returning for * Gladiator II* is that his character, Maximus, died in the first film. ๐ The sequel is set 16 years after Maximus’ death and focuses on his legacy in Rome. ๐️ **Maximus's Fate :** At the end of * Gladiator* (2000), Maximus dies after avenging the murder of his family and restoring justice to the Roman Empire. ⚔️ **Time Jump :** * Gladiator II* takes place 16 years later, introducing a new character, Lucius, who is the...